Mauna Loa erupts after 38 years

Inputs by Samyukta Mallick

Mauna Loa is a volcano in Kilauea, Hawaii. It erupted at 11:30 P.M HST (Hawaii Standard Time) on November 27, 2022.

The last time it erupted was in 1984. This means that the Mauna Loa has become active and erupted after 38 years.

Since Mauna Loa is still active with continuous lava flows and fissures (a split or crack), it is difficult to determine how long the eruption will go on. Based on history, such eruptions last between one and two weeks.

Currently, Mauna Loa’s lava is not affecting the homes and people of Kilauea.

No evacuation notice or threats have been issued.

The volcanic gases that Mauna Loa is emitting is forming smog when mixed with oxygen.

That is why the state health officials have requested people to refrain from outdoor and challenging activities.

Mauna Loa, translated to Hawaiian, means ‘Long Mountain’.

It is Hawaii’s largest volcano. It is 13,677 feet [4,169 meters] above sea level.

Mauna Loa’s height is 123 feet [about 38 meters] lower than Mauna Kea’s, a neighbouring volcano.

Mauna Kea is 13,800 feet [4,207 meters] above sea level.

Also, Kilauea Volcano, another neighbouring volcano has been erupting continuously since September 2021.

What happens now?

The immediate impact of a volcanic eruption (in addition to stunning visuals) is that the lava might travel to inhabited places. Fortunately, that has not happened for Mauna Loa.

The second impact is that sulphur-rich gases are carried by the winds to other areas. That is currently happening and is being monitored by USGS.

Feature image credit: USGS image by D. Downs.